Press Releases
ADDRESS BY BISHOP OF DERRY AND RAPHOE at the funeral of Lorraine Wilson
Address by the Right Rev.Dr.James Mehaffey, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, at the Funeral Service for Lorraine Wilson in Cappagh Parish Church, Omagh, on Wednesday 19 August 1998 at 2.30 p.m.
Last Saturday will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of Omagh. The town was invaded by messengers of death and destruction. The scale of the tragedy in terms of death and injury inflicted on women and men, young people, children and even babies has stunned everyone. What took place is indescribable and beyond belief. What drives people to act in such a satanic and barbarous way? Have they lost all sense of the distinction between good and evil?
The evil intention of the bombers is in stark contrast to the innumerable deeds of care and compassion which have been so clearly demonstrated by the people of this community. The dark cloud of evil is being penetrated by numerous acts of love and goodness which are happening all around us.
Many have speculated as to what was the motivation of the bombers. Certainly if their intention was to demoralise and divide the community then they have failed totally. The direct opposite has been the result. People have come together from all sides of the community and from different religious and political backgrounds to stand shoulder to shoulder in their solidarity against violence. The bombing has served to strengthen everyone's determination to work for peace. We pray that God will strengthen that resolve.
She was full of vitality, energetic and enthusiastic, a model pupil and she was only fifteen. Her life was only beginning but now it has been taken away from her. Lorraine died with her friend Samantha as they worked as volunteers in the Oxfam charity shop. Our hearts go out to her parents, family and friends and we offer them our deepest sympathy in their terrible loss. We hope and pray that the intensity of their grief will not overwhelm them but that even in this their darkest hour some gleam of light will break through.
At a time like this when there is so much pain and grief where can we turn to find consolation and hope? Where can a light be found to dispel the darkness? A very bright light comes from our relationships with family and friends. They have a profound affect on our lives to shape and renew them. We need family and friends at every stage of the road of life but particularly so at a time of bereavement and grief. May Lorraine's parents and family find wonderful support and encouragement through the many relationships they have formed.
The most powerful light which can dispel the darkness shines out from our faith in a personal God revealed in Jesus Christ, St.John writes, "Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Further information from:
THE CHURCH OF IRELAND PRESS OFFICE
Church of Ireland House
61 - 67 Donegall Street
Belfast BT1 2QH